But, as with most things, the Classic wasn't perfect. It never is, and that's OK. Here are the most non-perfect moments from its six-games-in-seven-years history.

(Not appearing on this list: a hypothetical writer who didn't leave his hypothetical hotel early enough, took 90 hypothetical minutes to drive one hypothetical mile, then parked his rental car on someone's hypothetical lawn and missed the first five minutes of the hypothetical game. It isn't on the list, because it totally didn't happen. Hope that's clear.)

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1

of 9

Changing ends

This cropped up in Wednesday's game: as per official Winter Classic rules (or something), the Red Wings and Maple Leafs were to switch ends halfway through overtime. Sensible enough — the move would account for problems created by wind and, though not in this case, sunlight. The problem: the league goes about it by blowing the whistle at the exact halfway point. Period.

That's a problem when you're on a breakaway, as Henrik Zetterberg was. End result: the Wings miss out on a prime scoring chance, then lose in overtime. It was stupid. Switch ends during a stoppage in play around the 2:30 mark. Only blow the whistle if the puck's tied up. Something. Don't blow a breakaway.

2

of 9

Fedoras

Coaches love them because they make them look like Toe Blake. They're terrible. The internet is to blame for this.

Detroit's Mike Babcock has now worn one twice. Dan Bylsma and Claude Julien are also guilty. They should be the hats the NHL is trying to get out of the game. Next year, Adam Oates should switch things up and wear a Constanza-esque Russian hat.

3

of 9

Fan fight

After the 2012 game in Philadelphia, some clown in a Flyers jersey assaulted a Rangers fan outside Geno's Steaks. The whole thing was caught on tape, and it was horrible. The situation had nothing to do with the game, but it was a big deal and, certainly, a horrifying thing to do.

The fan who was attacked was a police officer and a veteran of the Iraq war. He sued his attacker and the bar that served him alcohol.

4

of 9

Pittsburgh weather

Heinz Field was, essentially, a pond for the 2011 game. Temperatures were well above freezing, and it rained before and during the Classic.

If there was a benefit to the situation, it was that the game was postponed until later on New Year's Day. Playing under the lights created some cool visuals, but it didn't make up for the bad weather or the bad hockey.

5

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24/7: Wings-Maple Leafs

Nobody had a cross word to say about the HBO series until this year; the Detroit story lines haven't been compelling, and camera crews have had less access than in the past. It's still worth watching and may well get back on track next season, but the 2014 installment has been a misstep.

Are they better than your standard hockey sweater? Sure. But they're the worst of the Winter Classic lot, narrowly edging out the Flyers' groundbreaking decision to add a black nameplate to the ones they wear 81 other times a season.

8

of 9

Crosby-Steckel

Sidney Crosby is fine — now. But facts are facts: he lost a year and a half of his prime because of concussion issues that began when he collided with David Steckel in 2011. You can partially blame the weather for that one; in some alternate universe, it doesn't rain in Pittsburgh that morning and Crosby never gets hurt.